Adults only (18+)

Recreational Legalisation in Europe

At present, only a small number of European countries have fully legalised recreational cannabis use. Malta was the first to do so, passing legislation in 2021 that allows adults to possess small amounts for personal use and grow cannabis at home. Social clubs are also permitted under regulation. More recently, Germany passed a law allowing adults to possess and consume cannabis for recreational purposes, with cultivation permitted at home and regulated cannabis clubs acting as distribution points. This marks a significant shift for one of Europe’s largest economies and may influence broader reform throughout the continent. Luxembourg has also moved forward with legalisation, allowing adults to grow and possess cannabis at home, though public consumption and commercial sale remain restricted.

Decriminalised Countries

Several European countries have opted for decriminalisation rather than full legalisation. In these countries, possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use is typically treated as an administrative or civil offence rather than a criminal one. Portugal is often cited as a leading example, having decriminalised all drugs in 2001. Cannabis users may still face fines or referral to health services, but they are not prosecuted in criminal courts. Spain takes a similar approach, allowing private consumption and cultivation for personal use, although public use and trafficking are prohibited. The Netherlands famously tolerates cannabis in licensed coffee shops, although technically, possession remains illegal under national law. However, enforcement is minimal and the system is well established.

Medicinal Cannabis Access

Medicinal cannabis is far more widely available than recreational cannabis across Europe. Countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Denmark have frameworks that allow doctors to prescribe cannabis-based products for medical use. Access, however, varies significantly. In some countries, the range of conditions eligible for prescription is limited, and supply can be inconsistent. Germany stands out as having one of the most established medical cannabis programmes, with costs often reimbursed through health insurance. In contrast, access in countries like France or Ireland remains cautious and highly restricted, with only a few specific medical conditions qualifying for treatment.

Strict Prohibition Countries

There are still several European countries that maintain strict prohibition of cannabis, including both recreational and medicinal use. In places such as Sweden, Hungary and Slovakia, drug policy remains conservative, and possession of even small amounts of cannabis can result in criminal charges. These countries tend to take a zero-tolerance approach and have not introduced significant reforms despite growing pressure from international trends and public opinion.

European Union Perspective and Reform Trends

While cannabis laws are decided at the national level, there is growing momentum for harmonisation or reform across the European Union. Public health concerns, economic opportunities and changing attitudes are encouraging debate at both national and regional levels. Pilot projects for regulated cannabis supply chains are emerging, particularly in the Netherlands and Switzerland, and Germany’s move to legalisation has reignited discussions in neighbouring countries. Though each state sets its own laws, the broader trend in Europe is moving gradually towards decriminalisation and regulated access.

Summary

Cannabis laws in Europe remain diverse and complex. Countries like Malta, Germany and Luxembourg have legalised recreational use under strict regulation. Others, including Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, operate within a decriminalised framework. Medicinal cannabis is widely available in many nations, but with varying levels of access and prescription criteria. Meanwhile, more conservative countries continue to uphold full prohibition. Europe is clearly in a period of transition, with evolving policies and public opinion slowly reshaping how cannabis is understood and managed across the continent.